Frontline Plus vs Seresto

Pet parents are constantly searching for the best treatment to keep their dog protected against dangerous parasite infestations. Two of the most popular options for flea and/or tick treatment include Frontline Plus and Seresto. While these two products have a lot in common, there are also some significant differences that can help you choose between the two. To help with your decision, we’ve put together the following table and additional information.

How does Frontline Plus differ from Seresto?

While these products are unique from one another, they do share a few similarities. To begin with, both products are safe for use in pregnant, lactating, or breeding dogs. They are also both safe for use in puppies. Frontline Plus can be used from an age of 8 weeks, while Seresto can be used beginning at 7 weeks of age. They are both over-the-counter treatments. Finally, they both kill fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, and ticks and treat lice.

One of the primary differences between these products is that Frontline Plus is a topical flea and tick treatment, while Seresto is a collar. Frontline Plus is administered monthly, and one Seresto collar can remain effective for up to 8 months. Seresto features a combination of two active ingredients - Imidacloprid and Flumethrin. Frontline Plus combines (S)-Methoprene with Fipronil. Frontline Plus kills fleas within 12 hours and ticks within 48 hours. Seresto kills fleas within 24 hours and kills or repels re-infesting ticks within 6.

Seresto repels ticks, but Frontline Plus does not. However, Frontline Plus treats lice, while Seresto does not. Seresto also treats sarcoptic mange.

How do I choose between Frontline Plus and Seresto?

If you have a preference between a once-monthly topical treatment and an 8-month collar, your decision might be pretty simple. The other key consideration when choosing between these two products is whether your dog would benefit more from the tick-repellent qualities and sarcoptic mange-treating benefits of Seresto.

While both of these treatments are available without a prescription, your veterinarian is still a great source of information and advice. Your vet knows your dog best, and he or she can weigh in and help you make the best choice for your pup. If you have any lingering concerns or questions, reach out to the Allivet pharmacists for a pet parent consultation!

Feature Frontline Plus Seresto
Kills Fleas Yes Yes
Repels Fleas No Yes
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae Yes Yes
Kills Ticks Yes Yes
Repels Ticks No Yes
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm No No
Other Parasites Treats lice Chewing Lice and Sarcoptic Mange
Waterproof Yes Yes
How Long to work 12 hours to kill fleas and 48 hours to kill ticks Kills fleas in 24 hours and repels or kills re-infesting ticks within 6 hours
Taste N/A N/A
Active Ingredient Fipronil and (S)-Methoprene Flumethrin and Imidacloprid
RX Required No No
Application Type Topical Collar
Dosing 1 topical application per month 1 collar lasts up to 8 months
Age Dogs 8 weeks and older Dogs 7 weeks and older
Manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim Bayer Animal Health
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use.